Accessibility Committee

This committee will handle all accessibility needs and issues for Western Washington Area. Along with funding to attend Area Quarterlies and the Assembly, this position has additional funds to provide interpretation for Area events.  

• Accessibility
• Committee Descriptions

Area and Districts Communications Guidelines

Recommended Guidelines:

1. Communicate the mission statement with the fellowship to educate members on the cost of access needs at the area level.
2. Translate the Area Newsletter into Spanish 4 times per year; the issues will include quarterly business meeting minutes, motions, etc.
3. Point of Contact:
   1. Through the Area Newsletter.
   2. Through the Area Website.
   3. Accessibility Flier.
   4. Contact through Intergroup, Central Service Office, Area Chair Persons, and D.C.M.s to address all groups.
   5. Wording about most cost efficient and effective methods of providing service.
   6. Communicate a formal introduction to the Area through the Newsletter, Assembly, or Quarterly to educate:
      1. All D.C.M.s of the costs, the budget, and that the fees can increase substantially.
      2. About what the budget issues are.
4. Inform districts of the need for an Accessibilities Chair from each District.
5. Act as bridge from the Area Committee to Central Service Offices, Intergroups, and Districts as to accessibility needs.
6. Gather information from the fellowship regarding their needs in order provide assistance.

• Accessibility

Assistance Needs Guidelines

Identify needs with the host committees for Area Business Meetings, Assemblies, Pre-Conferences, Delegates Reports, and Pre-Assemblies. Contact host committees to assure accessibility. Registration forms should include a section asking about Access Needs.

Wheelchair

It is the Host Committee's responsibility to insure the facility is wheelchair accessible for the Area Quarterlies, Area Pre-Assemblies, and Area Assembly including ramps, parking, seating with adequate room to move, and wheelchair accessible restrooms. The Accessibility Committee will try to help financially to make a facility accessible if a ramp is needed, etc.

Visually Impaired

Currently need to gather more information about what a visually impaired GSR, DCM, or Area Committee Member would need to assist them such as tapings, Braille, large print, etc. (The Committee needs at least 60 days [2 months] notice to coordinate and communicate this assistance.)

Mobile Meetings / Homebound

Assist districts in setting up a volunteer group that is available to make meetings to homebound or to those in hospitals or care facilities.

• Accessibility

Language Services Guidelines

Interpreters will be provided as requested for the following Area functions:

The Host Committee for each function will include on the registration form, a space for members to request interpretation? (It will be expected that Spanish interpreters will always be needed as there are two Spanish Speaking Districts.)

The Accessibility Committee's Language Coordinator (or Chairperson) will be in close contact with the host committees, monitoring requests, and making arrangements.

The Language coordinator will get contact information for the interpreters? A work-order/invoice form will be given to the interpreter to gather the following information:

1. Full Name.
2. Tax Identification number (or Social Security Number).
3. Mailing Address.
4. Phone number (and email wherever possible).
5. Charge per hour (current budget allows for no more the $90 for ASL (2 Interpreters each at $45).
6. Date(s) of service.
7. Hours in attendance (i.e.; 10:00 am to 5:00 pm).
8. Estimated total payment.
9. Amount of deposit required.
10. If hotel arrangements need to be made.

The Language Coordinator will give to the Area Alternate Treasurer:

1. Completed registration forms for the interpreters.
2. Completed work-order/invoice to expedite payment for the interpreters.

Other interpretation requests or physical need requests will be reviewed by the committee as they arise. While funding may not be available, the need will be identified and the committee will assist in working out a solution.

• Accessibility